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At this point, everyone and their mother (and sister, and cousin, and grandma) have heard of or visited the two most famous Greek Islands: Santorini and Mykonos.
While they are undeniably beautiful, their popularity has also made these places become incredibly crowded and pricey, especially if you are visiting in high season. For those reasons, you might be interested in looking for another island hotspot with fewer crowds, cheaper prices, and more off-the-beaten-path places to explore. If that sounds good to you, let me suggest visiting Paros and Milos.
Paros and Milos are two islands in the Cyclades, the same island chain as Santorini and Mykonos. Just southwest of Athens, it is easy to visit these islands by ferry or via a 45-60 minute flight. If you are prone to motion sickness and/or want to make the most of your time, I highly suggest taking the flight instead of the ferry. Plus, you get some amazing views outside your window!
Here are details on both islands and why they should be added to your Greece itinerary:
When you think of the picture-perfect villages of Greek islands, with tiny churches, blue domes, white buildings, old windmills, and winding alleyways, you're thinking of Paros. Beyond the gorgeous villages, Paros is also home to gorgeous beaches, bright blue waters, and some incredible kitesurfing.
Naoussa, a city on the northern coast of the island, is the best place to stay for first-time visitors. It has a vibrant nightlife scene, wonderful restaurants, and plenty of stunning hotels to choose from. We stayed at Angel’s Pillow, an all-white hotel on a hill overlooking the town which was a lovely stay and had some of the most kind and helpful staff.
For a chill beach club vibe, with rentable chairs and gorgeous calm waters, head just northeast of Naoussa to Monastiri. For something a bit less organized, visit Faragas Beach on the south side of the island. For kitesurfing, go to the west side of the island to Paralia Pounta.
Beyond Naoussa, take a day trip to Lefkes, a quaint hilltop town in the center of the island that is known for its great meat restaurants. A more low-key but similarly beautiful mountain town is Marpissa. For a seaside town with a lovely restaurant right on the water, head to the southern village of Aliki.
Naoussa has some incredible bars and restaurants. We loved Sigi Ikthios and Yemeni Wine Restaurant for a nice dinner, Almond in Paros for brunch, and Sante for cocktails and good vibes.
Milos is a volcanic island with truly otherworldly natural scenery like nowhere else I have visited. Like many Greek islands, you get impossibly bright blue waters, stunning beaches, and traditional quaint villages. Milos also offers incredible ancient ruins, charming colorful fishing villages, and unique local cuisine.
Pollonia, a town on the north side of the island, is the place to be. There you will find a number of chic stays, including the incredible 5-star boutique hotel White Pebble Suites. The minimalist vibes are perfect, the seafront views are incredible, the service is top-notch, and the breakfast (delivered to your room each morning) will blow your mind.
Sarakiniko Beach is an otherworldly moonscape and should not be missed. Nearby Papafragas offers a gorgeous coastline to be viewed from the cliffs above, rather than in the water. Tsigrado Beach, on the south side of the island, is reached by a series of ropes and ladders which makes for an unforgettable experience. Next door, the more organized Fyriplaka Beach has gorgeous blue waters and white sand surrounded by towering red cliffs.
Beyond Pollonia, I recommend a stop in the hilltop town of Trypiti (don’t miss visiting the Ancient Roman Theatre nearby), the colorful fishing village of Klima, and the charming capital town, Plaka.
Don’t miss a meal at my favorite tavern we visited in all of Greece: O! Hamos!, which is just outside of the port town, Adamantas. We also loved lunch at Astakas, right on the water in Klima. For drinks, it’s hard to beat the views and vibes at White Pebble Suites (open to non-hotel guests), along with the string of bars overlooking the port, like Egoist.
It’s only a matter of time before Paros and Milos become the next Santorini and Mykonos, so don’t wait too long to visit! By the way, if you want to get the best experience from Greek island hopping, with fewer crowds but still warm weather, be sure to visit outside of high season (June-August) and aim for late September/early October.
Taking a break from my 9-5 in Austin, TX to travel the world with my husband. Visiting popular and lesser known spots across Europe and Asia. Lover of food, architecture, (moderate) hiking, and "doing as the locals do." Follow me on my journey @trippingmillennial for recs and how to pursue a gap year!
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